Graduate Profile - International Business

Name: Haylea Parkes
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of International Business, Diploma of Language (Spanish)
Position Gained: Graduate position in the "Retail Banking Services Personal Customer Graduate Leadership Development Program"
Organisation: Commonwealth Bank Australia
Commencement Date: January, 2004

Could you give us a description of what your position involves?

The position involves one year of rotations throughout the different areas of the branch, including customer service, personal lending, assistant branch manager and branch manager. During the year there is also a component of formal training leading to a Diploma in Frontline Management. At the end of the program graduates are offered positions as Assistant Branch managers and Branch managers with the bank.

With your experiences in securing employment what advice would you give to students who are in their first, second, and final year of study?

The earlier you start to develop yourself as a person ready for employment the better. This means researching companies and career options as early as possible and developing a work-in-progress CV. Don't leave it till your last year to start participating in extra-curricular activities such as work experience and involvement in clubs and associations because employers look for a demonstrated continued involvement that will transfer to the workplace. The final year is the most important though, deadlines for most graduate programs starting the next year are usually around March or April with final interviews falling in June and July. Prepare your application VERY carefully for these positions, most applications, especially for government jobs, are extremely involved and ask for examples of extra-curricular activities, demonstrations of initiative, leadership and problem-solving which is where the preparation from your first and second years come in handy.

Many employers presenting employment information sessions have commented on the importance of students undertaking extra curricular activities during their time at university. Could you comment on this?

Extra-curricular activities show a well-rounded person and are highly regarded by employers. Any overseas work experience and/or travel is also highly regarded. Participation in courses run through the Flinders Careers Centre show a commitment to self-development and are particularly impressive to employers when they relate directly to your chosen career and/or the company. Any participation in clubs or associations, particularly leadership roles, also shows the employer that you have skills that will transfer to the workplace.

In your opinion, what factors enabled you to be successful in obtaining employment?

The main factors that helped me gain employment in a graduate position was the overseas work experience and travel I had done which demonstrated my adaptability and problem solving skills. I also had sales and cash handling experience due to a part-time job I held whilst studying. The development courses I had undertaken through the Flinders Careers Centre, particularly those that had directly related to the position I was applying for, for example the Executive Leadership Program, also impressed the employer.